Convention Discussion & Straw Vote: Passed
Approve: 80
Disapprove: 0
Abstain: 0
Whereas, the preliminary findings of the International Court of Justice have documented actions by Israeli national leaders that constitute criminal behavior up to the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people;
Whereas, Veterans for Peace (VFP) is deeply disturbed by the disproportionate destruction in Gaza, the mass starvation, withholding of aid, and collective punishment of Palestinians, including the expansion of illegal settlements and racist state terror violence in the Occupied West Bank;
Whereas, the United States has been complicit in war crimes through its violations of the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy, the Foreign Assistance Act, the Arms Control Export Act, the US War Crimes Act, the Leahy Law, and the Genocide Prevention Implementation Act;
Whereas, continued US support for Israel amidst the Palestinian Genocide risks further regional and global escalation, with potentially irreversible consequences;
Whereas, VFP recognizes the plight of hostages on both sides, calling for the release of all Palestinian and Israeli hostages;
Therefore, be it resolved that VFP urges the US government to leverage its influence to demand:
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A total and permanent ceasefire in Gaza,
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An end to Israeli state terrorism against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied West Bank,
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Cessation of arms shipments to the Israeli regime,
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A massive influx of humanitarian aid to affected civilians,
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Recognition of full human rights for Palestinians under international law,
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Negotiations toward a lasting solution that provides self-determination, freedom, dignity, and equal rights for all people from the river to the sea,
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Reparations for Palestinians affected by the ongoing destruction; and
Be it further resolved, that Veterans For Peace fully supports US service members who conscientiously object to aiding genocidal US policies and calls for the prosecution of US officials and private corporate officers in the military industrial complex who have knowingly provided weapons and munitions used in genocide and other crimes against humanity.
Free Palestine!
Submitted by the VFP Board of Directors – July 2024